The Food and Drug Administration sought to calm public fears on Tuesday, insisting that fresh produce is safe to eat despite a nationwide cyclospora outbreak that has sickened thousands. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas told CNBC that Americans should “feel confident in eating fresh produce including leafy greens at this point,” adding that the agency is “very confident that the iceberg lettuce from central Mexico was the culprit.”
Diamantas emphasized that all contaminated iceberg lettuce tied to the outbreak has been “effectively removed from the market” since Taylor Farms, a California-based producer, voluntarily recalled its products on July 17. The Department of Health and Human Services echoed that confidence in a social media post, declaring “Cyclospora: contained, American food: safe.”
The reassurances come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with more than 10,455 additional unconfirmed cases. The outbreak, which has spread across more than a dozen states and has been linked to two deaths in Michigan, is considered the largest of its kind in recent memory.
Investigators first identified the outbreak in July among individuals who ate shredded lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants. Tracing efforts pointed to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate, and officials caution that the number of confirmed illnesses may rise further, as it can take up to six weeks to link a case to the outbreak.
Adding to the federal response, a separate multistate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers has prompted Taylor Farms to recall multiple salsas, dips, and guacamole products across 26 states. This dual crisis has drawn comparisons to past foodborne illness emergencies that tested the nation’s food safety systems.
The FDA’s handling of the cyclospora outbreak has been closely watched, with the agency opening a fifth investigation as cases expanded. The initial recall was announced after the outbreak spread to 15 states, raising concerns about the resilience of the produce supply chain.
Public health experts note that cyclospora, a parasite that causes severe gastrointestinal distress, can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations. The two deaths in Michigan underscore the severity of the outbreak, which has prompted calls for stricter oversight of imported produce.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Diamantas sought to project confidence in the nation’s food safety framework, asserting that “we have the safest food supply in the world.” However, critics argue that the repeated outbreaks, including the current salmonella scare, suggest gaps in the system that need addressing.
As the FDA and CDC work to contain both outbreaks, consumers are advised to follow recall notices and practice proper food handling. The agency has promised continued updates as new information emerges.
